Ellen Gould Chadwick, 1975
B.A., Denison University
M.D., University of Virginia
Pediatric Disease Researcher, Physician, and Educator
Wilmette, Ill.
Citation awarded June, 2005
Ellen Gould Chadwick has spent her career in Chicago at the Children’s Memorial Hospital where she did a Pediatrics internship/residency, and an Infectious diseases fellowship. She is Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Medical School, having joined the faculty there in 1985.
Ellen is an internationally recognized expert in the field of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. She was the first pediatrician in the Chicago area to recognize AIDS as a major problem for pediatric patients and has made this the focus of her medical career since 1985. Her research contributions to the field of HIV are extraordinary, and have been characterized by her peers as “cutting edge.” For example, Ellen conducted one of the earliest studies establishing efficacy of what is now the NIH-approved method-of-choice to diagnose HIV infection in children.
Ellen remains a highly regarded clinician, educator, and researcher, as evidenced by her many publications and lectures. She has co-authored more than 40 medical research articles, nine chapters in medical textbooks, and has presented more than 40 papers at medical conferences. Her research on the importance of smooth-muscle tumors in pediatric HIV has resulted in two landmark publications.
In a nomination letter supporting Ellen’s election to the Society for Pediatric Research, a colleague at Northwestern University Medical School said, “It is clear to me that Dr. Chadwick has excelled in the area of pediatric HIV. Indeed, she is a pioneer in this field. She has been a productive investigator as evidenced by her rapidly growing curriculum vitae. She is an independent investigator who has carried out well-designed and executed research.”
Another supporter wrote: “Ellen’s decision to combine research with her clinical work ended up being the right decision, not only for the many patients she has personally helped, but for the international battle against AIDS. Ellen has clearly made a difference in this world. Not only is she a renowned physician, she is also a person of character and integrity.”
Ellen has also provided extensive volunteer service to several community organizations including the Chicago and Wilmette Public Schools and the Chicago Department of Health. She was instrumental in creating the Midwest AIDS Foundation and currently serves as one of the organization’s directors. She has testified before the Illinois Legislature for prenatal HIV testing of pregnant women to prevent HIV transmission to newborns.
Ellen and her Pediatric AIDS team of healthcare providers have been recognized with many awards: The Design Industries Foundation for AIDS “Excellence in Care” Awards (1991-2004) and the Earl J. Frederick Award for Team Leadership in Healthcare for Children (1994).
Denison students since 1988 have benefited from Ellen’s volunteer service as a career advisor.
